Gaming for a cause

Jon Watts (left) will be playing video games for a 24-hour Game-a-Thon May 3 and 4 at Mr. Video in Keizer, owned by Terry Ricker (center). Even Spider-Man is excited. (KEIZERTIMES/Craig Murphy and Andrew Jackson)

By CRAIG MURPHYOf the Keizertimes

Jon Watts was already looking forward to playing video games for 24 hours and raising money.

Then things got personal.

Now, Watts can’t wait for May 3 to arrive.

The third annual Game-A-Thon is a Children’s Miracle Network fundraiser for Doernbecher Children’s Hospital in Portland. For the first time, the event is being held at Mr. Video in Keizer, at 5003 River Road N. The event runs from noon on Friday, May 3 to noon the following day.

A couple of personal connections with Doernbecher have added significance.

“I have mentored two kids at Claggett Creek Middle School for several years now,” Watts said. “One of them last year was diagnosed with cancer and had to go to Doernbecher. Now I’m helping Doernbecher, so it hits close to home now. Last year he played with me in his Doernbecher shirt. It was really a great moment.”

To read the complete article and other news from around the Keizer area, pick up a copy of the April 26 issue of Keizertimes, available at stores all around the area. To subscribe for just $25 a year, click on the ‘Subscribe Today’ link at the top of the page, call 503-390-1051 or visit our office at 142 Chemawa Road North in Keizer.